Wrinkle Remover

Green Thompson seedless grapes! It has one of the ingredients in those big time expensive wrinkle creams.

All you do is cut a grape in half and gently crush it on your face and neck. Make sure that you get the "crows-feet" and the lines around your mouth. Leave it on for twenty minutes or so and rinse with tepid water and pat dry.

Repeat every day and before you know it… those nasty old lines will be hard to find!

Don't forget to drink at least 8 glasses of water daily. And… eat veggies rich in Vitamin A, such as carrots, celery and spinach.
If you can, get 8 hours of sleep every night.

Daily Hair Care Tips and Advice

• Henna soaked in water of used tea bags, coffee powder, amla powder and onion peels can make for a excellent conditioner giving your hair the much needed boost.

• What you eat is reflected in the state of your hair. A hair-healthy diet includes a wide variety of foods, including lots of fruits and vegetables, and plenty of water. A daily multivitamin will ensure that your hair is getting all the nutritional support it needs. Stay away from processed foods, alcohol and cigarettes.

• Massage the scalp regularly to encourage oil production.

• After swimming, wash your hair as soon as possible to remove chlorine residue.

• The number one problem affecting long hair is breakage, usually seen as shorter, fly-away strands, or split ends. From the moment you wake up to the time you go to sleep and even as you sleep, there are many factors that can lead to hair breakage.

• Separate hair into small sections. With a wide-tooth comb, such as our Long Hair Comb , carefully work from the ends in a downward direction only. Use only a wooden or tortoise shell comb - never rubber. Do not pull or yank hair.

• Air-dry whenever possible.

Caring Your Jewellery

Try to guard any jewelry from scratches, sharp blows, harsh chemicals, extreme temperatures and sunlight.

Store jewelry separately so it doesnt scrape other jewelry.

When doing household chores such as gardening and cleaning, be certain to remove rings.

Put your jewelry on after washing and applying any makeup or hair spray.

Avoid wearing jewelry while swimming in a swimming pool. The chlorine can cause damage to various gemstones and gold. Gemstones may become loose in their settings (and possibly fall out).

Avoid storing your jewellery next to a heating vent, window-sill or on a car dashboard. Store jewelry away from sunlight as the sun may fade the gemstones.

Always store bead necklaces flat - such as lapis, pearls, etc, as silk stretches over time. 
Be certain that stones mounted in rings are not loose or rattle. The prongs of a ring can wear down. If the prongs wear down too much or break, youve lost the stone. Prongs are easily "retipped" by most jewelers to keep the stone locked in.

Sterling silver will polish up by rubbing or buffing it with a soft cotton cloth or a Sunshine Cloth. If you store silver in plastic bags with an interlocking seal, it will be less prone to tarnish. (Do not store pearls in plastic bags!)

Hardness is based on a gem-trade standard called the Mohs scale. The higher the Mohs scale number, the harder the stone is. The highest Mohs scale rating is 10 (diamonds). Anything with a Mohs scale rating of less than 7 is easily scratched (such as coral, lapis lazuli, opal, pearl, and turquoise). Gold, silver, and platinum are only Mohs 2-1/2 to 4. Always carefully store any fine jewelry.

If you have bead necklaces such as lapis or pearls, store them flat as silk stretches over time. Most jewelers will restring necklaces or reset stones for fee.

Tips on how you can wear your jewellery

1. How innovatively you can wear your jewellery Incorporate them with your outfit such as dupatta, jeans etc. 
   Wear coloured jewellery in contrast with your attire 
   Wear beaded or metal belts over skirts and jeans
   Combine rustic / imitation jewellery with real ones to give the indo-western look
2. Wear your jewellery as per the event
   Keep it light while working (offices)
   Light-Semi while in college. Semi-Light can be worn in order to flaunt it
   Light-Semi while hanging out. (Shopping, exhibitions, etc)
   Semi-Heavy for parties and weddings

Beauty & You

Beauty is, to a large extent, about having visual appeal; something people can see and appreciate. As Jean Kerr, an American author and playwright, put it: "I'm tired of all this nonsense about beauty being only skin-deep. What do you want? An adorable pancreas?"
You really do not know what is going on inside your skin and body, but if you are glowing on the outside, it likely means all is well.
There is a direct and definite link between your skin internally and externally. This obsession among women makes them spend hours in front of the mirror in the struggle to keep a check on ageing. What they need to understand is that creams, lotions and magic fixes may promise timeless beauty, but it is only a diligent skincare routine that will give them great skin.
If you love your skin, it will love you back. You will see that for yourself over time. The cleansing, toning, moisturising regimen is a tried-and-tested way to care for your skin. But first, know your skin type.
How you care for your skin is entirely dependent on the type of skin you have: oily, normal, combination, dry or mature.
Here is a skincare regimen for women with different skin types and needs.

Cleansing
For the face, a cleanser is the first product you skin will touch and respond to. This is why it is imperative to find a good face cleanser and stick to it. However, the best cleanser to use first thing every morning is plain water which helps remove excess oil residue from your night cream.

Cleansing is equally important for a body and a daily bath just isn't enough. You should also invest in specialised body cleansing treatments periodically.

Toning
The second step after cleansing, toning removes traces of make-up and dirt on the face and helps close pores. Unlike the face, when it comes to the body, the word 'toning' does not refer to the use of a toner gel or toning water. Rather, we are talking about a rigorous session of body exfoliation and thorough cleansing, preferably by means of a Moroccan bath.

Moisturising
We know a good facial moisturiser hydrates, but how much should you moisturise and when? When your facial skin feels tight, it means it is thirsty. By if you overmoisturise, your skin's pores can get clogged.
The same moisturising rule applies for the body. Body moisturisers usually have a richer texture than facial moisturisers to cater for the body's rapid loss of moisture through the course of the day. Use a moisturiser after bathing when your skin is still damp.

Night Care
At night, while you rest, your skin is actively repairing the damage done to its cells in the course of the day. Night creams are richer in texture so it's best to apply them 30 minutes before you go to bed so as not to transfer the cream to your bed linen.
Although some of us have been putting it off for years, those in the beauty business swear by night-time body care. Applying a rich body moisturiser every night can bring about a dramatic improvement in skin quality as the skin gets the most from the cream during the recommended eight hours of sleep.

Sunscreen

Sun damage is by far the leading factor behind premature facial wrinkles, which is why experts constantly remind us about including sunscreen in our daily routine all year round. SPF-50 sunscreen is usually recommended here.

The Right Way To Pop A Pimple

Here to tell you how you can do that while inflicting the least amount of damage.

1) The only pimples that are (relatively) safe to pop are whiteheads, which are filled with pus and easy to drain. Painful cysts or boils are too deep to drain by yourself, and can lead to scars.

2) Wash your hands and face, using lukewarm water. Do not do this in front of a magnifying mirror.
3) Swab the area with alcohol. Using a clean needle (that you've also swabbed) gently pierce the whitehead, being careful not to draw blood.

4) Using clean fingers or Q-tips, gently squeeze from either side. If it doesn't come out easily, stop. Squeezing too hard and drawing blood will cause scabbing, which can turn into a scar.

5) Cover with a small band-aid to avoid scabbing.

Ten-point Plan

Here are some basic skincare tips:

1. Know your skin type; normal, oily, dry, combination, mature or sensitive. It's a good idea to arrange a consultation with an expert in order to be sure it is what you think it is.

2. Be clear about what results you are looking for.

3. Be realistic when it comes to your budget and results.

4. Choose a beauty therapist who has been well recommended.

5. Set aside a 3-4 hour 'me time' slot every week for do-it-yourself treatments for the face and body.

6. Be consistent with your routine.

7. Always get a second opinion and try samples before splurging on expensive products.

8. Keep your routine simple do not overload your skin with too many products.

9. Opt for consultations before you go for the actual treatments to find out exactly what you are getting yourself into.

10. Be sure to back up your beauty regimen with a healthy diet and by following a healthy lifestyle.

Festive Makeover

With the festive season upon us, the long list of parties you have to attend and the many sparkly clothes you have to wear are a must. What you may not have thought of though, is the make-up to match each dress and do. If you think festive season make-up is no different from the usual, think again. Make-up trends this season are pretty definitive. They are happily moving from grunge to gothic. You can also say the 50s are back. The good news is that in this accentuation, there is a make up trend to suit everyone. Grape is the season's hottest colour. You can see it everywhere – from lipsticks to blushes. But if you are unsure of its effect, go for the natural look. Minimise the use of colour on cheeks and eyes. Use light colours like beige instead to make the eyes look clear and bright, and skin dewy and soft. When applying make-up this festive season be perfectly sure of how much make-up you want. If unsure, go for the minimalistic look. Following are the key make-up trends for eyes, lips and cheeks this season.

FACE
Blush 
For a natural look, a pinkish blush on the apples of the cheeks will give you a healthy holiday glow. Rose, a traditional colour, works from day to evening and looks fabulous on dark skin tones. Grape and apricot shades are also very popular this winter. Be careful when choosing the shade of blush. The perfect colour should look like a natural flush. To find your colour, do a quick burst of exercise and check out your cheeks. Don't use blush to compensate for your faded summer tan.

Highlighters
Brighten your skin with a dusting of luminous pressed powder for a warm and radiant glow.
Apply highlighter on cheekbones, brow bones, down the centre of the nose, temples and shoulder blades. Use a touch of iridescent colours in the inner corners of the eyes too.

Top Tips
· Let your skin's natural glow come through if you have mature skin. Pancake on mature skin, piles over the years. A dab of lip gloss, a coat of mascara and brief cover-ups wherever required are the finishing touches.
· No matter how much make-up you apply, you can't hide dry skin. Moisturise your skin thoroughly before applying make-up, for a smooth and silky finish. Without moisture, make-up looks cracked and unflattering.
· Avoid over-moisturising. Dot on a little, work it in and let it be fully absorbed. If you have oily skin, you may not even need a moisturiser.
· Make sure your foundation matches your jawline and not your hand. Avoid a very heavy foundation as it only draws attention to the area you want to cover. Your skin changes its colour through the seasons so your foundation shade needs to change too.

Bronzers And Powders
Keep your skin looking like satin this season with less powder and more shine. Use a bronzer powder that is two shades darker than your skin and sculpt your cheeks and eyes. Go for a cream bronzer if you wish as it has a stronger pigment. But, never use blush to contour your face – it looks very artificial.

EYES
Eyeshadows
This season is all about accentuating the eyes in a unique way. For added mystique, the smoky look is best (yes, it's back). However, it does not have to be black. Instead, choose charcoal shades with hints of purple, blue and green or even glossy brown. This look goes great with bare, glossy lips and matte skin.
For a more natural look, you can use subtle shimmers and even gloss on the eyes. Blended together, pearly shades, pale pinks, beiges, blues, silvers and neutral tones create a dewy look. When using shimmer eyeshadows, use a matte base first so the shimmer has something to hold on to. For an alternative to the natural look, team this with pearlescent lip gloss and dewy skin finish. Remember to always apply concealer and powder to your eyelids before applying eyeshadow. This helps the colour blend in easily and last longer.
Strong eyebrows are also back with a bang. Using a thin brush, apply eyeshadow in order to cover any unattractive marks and brush your eyebrows so the hair stays in place. Never fill in eyebrows with pencil – you may end up looking like an extra from the set of The Adams Family. For a natural look, use a powder and a brush, and with light feathery strokes, fill in the eyebrows.

Top Tips
· When the base of the lower eyelashes is traced with a thick eyeliner pencil which is not blended in, it looks unflattering. Make sure your pencil is sharp, or use a thin liner brush instead.
· Avoid over frosted eyeshadows. A little sparkle on the brows and eyelids look pretty but too much and poorly blended shadow looks plain unattractive.
· Comb your lashes before the mascara dries.

Eyeliners
The winged eyeliner is back. This season you can add a bold pop of colour like a blue shadow along the crease for a more dramatic look. Why not try fishtail flicks (two lines at the outer corners instead for one)? For a more subtle look line the inside of the eyes with a black kohl pencil. This will set off the eye colour perfectly.

Mascara
A 'no mascara' look is a key trend this season but only if you are going for the minimalist, natural look. If that is the case, instead of layering on mascara, simply put on a little liner and eyeshadow. If you find mascara a habit hard to break, try swapping black mascara for brown.
If festive glamour is more your thing, curl your lashes before applying a lash primer and then a generous coat of your favourite mascara. It is best applied in a zig-zag motion starting at the lash roots.
For extra drama and impact, add a few individual false lashes to the outer corners of the eyes and bring on the mascara!

LIPS
Bright red lips are back – but now with more power. This season, try a deep, matte red – go for reds with a hint of grape. If you wish to be truly faithful to the season's 50s inspiration, deep scarlet, deep purple and berry are the shades to use.
When applying red lipstick it is helpful to use liner to achieve proper lip shape, followed by a lip brush for precise application. Blot and powder lips with translucent powder before applying a second coat. This will ensure the colour lasts all day.
Matte and gloss for lips are both acceptable for the season, depending on the overall look. These can be complemented with winged eyeliner (use liquid liner) for an authentic 50s look. Add some sticky gloss for a modern twist.
Nude shades, beige and light pinks are also a good choice this season. Dust on some shimmer powder for holiday sparkle.

Top Tips
· Never extend your lipliner beyond your lip's natural line to correct an uneven shape as it will look unnatural.
· The best way to prevent lipstick feathering is to trace the edges of your mouth with a lip liner (the same colour as your lipstick or your skin-tone). After applying lipstick, blot with a tissue. If you find your lip colour is still too slippery, consider switching to matte or semi-matte lipsticks. Using semi-permanent lip stains is another way to prevent feathering.

Lipliners
Choose a lipliner that matches the colour of your lipstick. When applying, start with the 'v' at your cupid's bow. Then from the outer corners draw small, feathery strokes to meet the centre V. Do the same with the lower lip, starting with the lower curve. Lipliner helps define your lips and reshape them if they are uneven. It can also make lipstick last longer if you fill in your lips with a loner before applying the lip colour.

Skin Care For Spring

Nothing cheers people up more than the weather turning warm! The coming of spring can be noticed all around, from shrinking piles of woollen clothes, to small green buds popping out on tree tops. The change in the weather and environment also means it is time to re-evaluate your skin care regimen. Changes made in preparation for winter's harsh reality will not be suitable for the freshness of spring. Cleansing and rejuvenation are the keywords for spring. Spring skin-care, in keeping with this overall theme, focuses on deep-cleansing, exfoliation and gentle nourishment to prepare the skin for the hotter months to follow.
Spring is perhaps the most pleasant of all seasons. It is no excuse to compromise on your skin care. Your skin may be in a slump after the cold and harsh winter months. So it is important for you to get it prepared for the spring with the proper skin care. The foremost characteristic of spring is the transformation.
Here are some effective skin care tips that will help you sport a gorgeous skin all through the spring season.

Exfoliate regularly: Exfoliation is a quick-fix solution that delivers instant results. It removes all the dead skin cells that get accumulated on the skin surface and gives your skin a dull and dehydrated appearance. There is an extensive range of exfoliants available in the market that help you remove dead skin cells and reveal the fresh new cells from underneath. As a result, the skin becomes smooth and soft and your complexion looks brighter. Moreover, you can also get rid of the wrinkles and fine lines with consistent exfoliation.

Spring clean your skin-care cabinet: Skin-care products and cosmetics generally have a shelf-life of about two years, after which they lose their effectiveness. Moreover, they can collect bacteria and therefore damage the skin. Spring is a good time to go though your skin-care products cabinet and do some cleaning. Throw away products that you have stored for years or anything that has acquired an odd smell or colour along with the ones that are past their expiry dates. Be especially careful with skin-care products that contain salicyclic acid or SPF.

Moisturise effectively: it is important to keep your skin moisturised during the spring season. This could be especially beneficial if you use a moisturiser with SPF. If you tend to spend a lot of time outdoors it is important to keep your skin protected against the ill-effects of the sun. Even on a cloudy day there is no excuse to avoid SPF. Though the sun's rays are very dim when it is cloudy, they do reach your skin surface. Even when you are driving in you car, the sun affects you.

Wear protective clothing: When you go out take along a hat and sunglasses. It will not only look good but also help to keep your skin protected from the sun's rays.

Stay hydrated and well nourished: Drinking water is very important to keep your skin hydrated in the warm weather. Your internal organs get the benefits of water first and your skin is the last organ that gets its benefits. So make sure you drink lots of water to get good skin-care benefits. Nutrition is the basic building block to any skin-care system. Spring time is the best time to take advantage of fresh, green vegetables and fruits. Capitalise on the growing season of asparagus, baby greens like spinach, and strawberries.

You probably already know that you must avoid oily and fatty foods that can contribute to skin problems. But don't forget to eat positively for your skin's health as well. Take advantage of warm-weather produce and eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables that are good for your skin, like leafy greens and antioxidant-rich fruits and berries.

Vitamin A is long known to be an important component in skin care. Vitamin A is often found in night creams and prescription skin care products. Vitamin A has a proven ability to help fade out brown spots and ageing spots and to smooth rough edges. Retinoids are essential to making the skin look and feel younger. Adding a few carrots to your afternoon snack will help provide you with some beta carotene, a precursor to vitamin A.

Vitamin B3 is another skin enhancing supplement, which is often overlooked. Yet the truth of the matter is that vitamin B3 has been shown to significantly reduce redness and to boost hydration. So, if you can't seem to down enough water throughout the day to hydrate your skin, try adding a B3 supplement to your regimen as well. Alongside fatty acids, B3 has been proven to strengthen the skin's protective barriers. This vitamin can help keep irritants out while maintaining moisture on the inside.It can also reduce and minimise dark pigmented spots.

Treat eye puffiness: Your skin may be especially prone to allergies during the spring season. As a result, your eye area may look tired and puffy. Calm your eye contours by keeping your skin hydrated.
There are a variety of eye creams that can help solve the problem. Another chief concern of spring involves the introduction of allergens to the air. Allergy flare-ups can cause puffy eyes, swollen sinus cavity areas, and redness on the nose and cheek area.

Adjust your moisturiser: Winter's dry air calls for a stronger moisturiser, but warm weather brings increased humidity, which in turn can make you sweat and increase your skin's production of natural oils. Switch to a lighter moisturiser, one that is not oil-based, and that includes a higher SPF protection for the happy hours you'll be spending outdoors in the sunshine.
Here are some ayurvedic skin-care tips to avoid kapha-related skin problems and to keep your skin looking radiantly fresh, clear and alive:
Stringent cleansing, at least twice a day, is crucial. Choose a cleanser that is right for your skin type. Avoid harsh cleansers in general, and aim for purification while maintaining the moisture balance of your skin. To make your own cleanser for dry or normal skin, mix together two tablespoons of almond meal, two tablespoons of coarse oatmeal and a few drops of rosewater in milk or cream to form a smooth paste.
For oily skin, blend together two tablespoons of coarse oatmeal, two tablespoons of multani clay, one teaspoon of lemon peel powder and 1/2 teaspoon of neem powder in fresh yogurt or water. Apply the cleanser in smooth upward strokes to face and neck. Wait for three-five minutes; then rinse off with lots of tepid water.

How To Get Gorgeous Skin

Don't go to bed with makeup on. Makeup left on overnight seeps into your pores, clogs them, and congests your skin. Make sure that you wash your face twice at the end of the day. Once to get the makeup off. A second time to wash the skin itself. 

• Exfoliate daily. After washing your face at night, be sure to exfoliate. Use a delicate scrub. If you don't have one on hand, a tablespoon of sugar or oatmeal will work just fine. 
• Use facial masks regularly. If possible, everyday is ideal. Again, if you don't have one on hand, make your own. Mashed banana or avocado is good. Plain yogurt also works well. 
• Keep a treatment and moisturizer on your face, day or night. Put your skin first. After you wash it at night, put on some kind of skin treatment, whether it's alpha hydroxy acids, vitamin A or C, or any kind of special cocktail treatment. Let that sink in, then put a moisturizer over that. In the morning, do the same. 
• Don't use the cheapest or most expensive cosmetics. Mom tells me that moderately priced cosmetics are the best. They get the job done, and the ingredients are usually pretty good. You have to keep trying various brands until you find something that works well for you. 
• Hydrate your face throughout the day. Whether it's a commercial product, or one you make yourself (fill a spray bottle with distilled water, add a few drops of chamomile or rose essential oil, shake it gently before each use, and spray it on) hydrate your face, even over makeup, frequently throughout the day. 
• Treat your face gently. Never pull, tug, or scrub your facial skin. Be very gentle when you clean it, moisturize it or makeup on it. This will lessen the chance that you'll damage your skin and get wrinkles. 
• Keep your face covered when you're in the sun. As beautiful as she is, my mom never lets anyone see her face when she's in the sun. She'll slather on a high factor sunscreen, put on sunglasses, and a wide brimmed hat. 
• Eat fresh foods and drink lots of water. My mom tells me to stay away from "dead food" food that's basically not fresh. She always eat lots of veggies, fruits, nuts, and drinks tons of water. 
• Let go of stress. Stress can show up on your face, no matter how well you take care of your skin. Do something your enjoy everyday, whether it's watching TV or going shopping. Your face reflects what's going on inside of your mind.

5 Practical Tips on Dry Skin Care

1. Moisturize the right way

Dry skin is usually sensitive and, since winter tends to worsen the condition, it requires thorough care. The best approach to managing dry skin is to avoid using commercial creams and lotions that contain mineral oils and other petroleum products.
Creams and other skin-care products that are based on natural hypoallergenic ingredients are the best.
Every morning after showering, pat your entire body with virgin coconut oil, cocoa butter, or shea butter. They contain naturally occurring nourishing ingredients, such as essential oils, skin-friendly Vitamins A, C, D and E, and protein.

Coconut Oil
Natural creams and lotions are extremely beneficial for dry skin - they heal, deeply moisturize, and protect skin from aging.

2. Avoid tap water …
If your face skin is dry, try not to wash it with tap water since it often contains chlorine, fluoride, and other undesirable chemicals. Instead, use cold mineral water or ice made with it, or, better, clean your face with an alcohol-free cleaning lotion, toner, or cosmetic milk, made of natural ingredients.
They gently refresh dry skin without causing irritation, while respecting its balance of moisture. Toners and milks effectively remove daily impurities and makeup, purify and refine pores, and leave dry skin feeling clean, soft, and hydrated.

3. Use oatmeal soap …
If your skin is dry and irritates easily, try to cut back on the amount of time you bathe or shower - some dermatologists even suggest spending no more than three minutes a day in water! Use the mildest soap available and do not overdo it - use soap every other day only. Scrubbing is usually not recommended for dry skin. Instead, once a week use a mild oatmeal soap, which will gently exfoliate your skin without causing irritation.

After bathing or showering, do not rub your skin with a towel, instead, softly pat it dry. Apply a natural oil or butter when the skin is still moist, and pay the most attention to your lower legs where skin tends to be the driest.

4. Include good oils into your diet …
If your skin or scalp develop dry, irritated, itchy spots, do your best to avoid scratching. Apply shea butter or coconut oil several times a day and try to prevent water from splashing on irritated areas. Dry skin is also prone to eczema and other uncomfortable skin conditions. A good preventive measure is to augment your diet with essential oils contained in raw organic butter, cod liver oil, Omega-3 eggs, coconut oil, and fresh cold-water fish.

5. Use a humidifier …
In cold and dry winter months, consider investing in a humidifier and placing it in your bedroom or other apartment area where you spend a significant amount of time. The additional moisture in the air will help your skin condition improve almost immediately.

Makeup Tricks for Dark Skin

Makeup Tricks for Dark Skin Update your bag or tricks -- and your makeup bag -- with these new rules for women of color.

With so many new, beautiful cosmetics options for women of color, it's time to throw out that old, dated, just-doesn't-work-anymore makeup advice! Here, fresh takes on old dark-skinned beauty thinking from Byron Barnes, creative director of Iman Cosmetics:

Old thinking: Dark skin has red undertones; your foundation should be red, too.
Fresh take: "Nothing is further from the truth," says Barnes. "Most dark-skinned women have yellow or golden undertones in their skin." That means that your foundation should have those same yellow or golden undertones for the perfect match. Use foundation to cover dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and uneven tone, all common problems for women with dark skin. A new formula to try: powder foundation. "It has the ease of application of a regular powder, but can give more coverage when buffed onto the skin" says Barnes.

Old thinking: Use super-bright blush shades of fuchsia, orange, and red.
Fresh take: Stick to neutrals. "Bright colors aren't skin-tone friendly," says Barnes. His favorite cheek-color trick: Use bronzer in place of blush, sweeping it over cheekbones to add definition and to sculpt. If you love your blush shade too much to let it go, top it off with bronzer to soften the look. "Your blush should blend into your complexion," says Barnes.

Old thinking: Wear black liner and shadow on dark eyes.
Fresh take: Add color! Instead of sticking to black, go for blackened (read: deep and rich) shades of liner, such as deep navy blue or forest green. On lids, go for soft earth tones to complement your liner. "Earth tones are the most flattering to darker skin tones," explains Barnes. Ones to try: mauve, gold, brown, gold, and pewter.

Old thinking: Use dark, matte lipsticks and liners.
Fresh take: "The newest thing is the glossy mouth," says Barnes. To achieve this look, skip your regular liner and try Barnes' trick: Use a brush to line your lips with a neutral shade of blush. "The blush keeps gloss in place and adds some shape," he says. Then fill in with a high-shine gloss in a shade like bronzy brown or shimmering mauve.

4 Natural Beauty Tips

Women all over the world spend millions of dollars on gels, creams, powders, and lotions all in the attempt to maintain or enhance their skin and beauty. Beauty is a universal theme that has been around since the beginning of time and all civilizations have had a natural beauty tip or two. Modern western cultures have taken the idea of beauty to extreme by resorting to plastic surgery, liposuction, injections, and other medically invasive treatments to gain a sense of enhanced beauty. There is no need to spend thousands dollars or resort to surgery, our 4 top natural beauty tips are freely available in this article for everyone. 

First, natural beauty tip is to drink enough water every day. Drinking eight to ten glasses of water will solve many problems that you may be purchasing creams for. Drinking enough water will hydrate your skin and rid your body of the toxins and chemicals that are damaging your skin and hair. Flush the toxins out and hydrate your body with at least eight glasses and your beauty regime will improve greatly.

The second natural beauty tip is to eat fruits and vegetables daily. Fruits and vegetables contain the vitamins and minerals our body needs. When out bodies are fueled with the necessary vitamins and minerals many skin and hair problems disappear. Also, many fruits and vegetables such as carrot, oranges, cucumbers, and apples are known to be good rejuvenators for skin, hair, and nails.

Regular exercise is the third natural beauty tip that everyone should know. Regular exercise pumps oxygen to our cells, which in conjunction with water, helps to rid our bodies of those nasty toxins. Exercise does not need to be hours in the gym a walk around the block on a consistent basis will do wonders for your skin and body. Exercise also helps our bodies become more adept at digesting food which will allow the vitamin and minerals from the fruits and vegetables be absorbed into our bodies easier. Regular exercise also helps increase your energy level and sometimes can lift your mood. When you are happy and awake, you can look younger and feel younger. Isn't that what all the beauty products people buy are for? To create a younger you!

Finally and most importantly, do not discount the power of a positive attitude toward your beauty regime as well. Happy people are considered more beautiful in western society and having a positive attitude is the fourth natural beauty tip. Having a good attitude has been proven to lengthen your life span and boost your immune system, when we feel good we look good as well.

Natural beauty tips are really everywhere. There is no need to resort to a thousand dollar an ounce cream to achieve the same results you can get from eating right and exercise. Beauty really starts from within and following our 4 natural beauty tips can save you money.

Eyebrow Shaping Tips

Top 10 Do's and Don'ts to Mastering Your Brows

1. Do decide on the eyebrow shape first

You need a plan of action on deciding where your brows are going to start, end, and where to to place the peak of the arch. Use a white eyeliner or concealer on the hair that you want to remove, so you don't stray off course.

If you think using eyebrow stencils means you can't go wrong, you can. They don't take into account how your brows currently look and your other facial features.

2. Do use a quality pair of tweezers

Most people opt for tweezers when shaping brows at home. You'll be frustrated, and end up taking twice as long if your tweezers slide off or break the hair instead of pulling them out- or can't grab onto short hairs. A good pair of tweezers cost about $20, and worth the small investment. 

3. Do trim brows if needed

Here's a very important eyebrow shaping tip. A big mistake people make is taking out more hair when trimming the excess length really is what needs to go. For men this helps make the brows look more neat and groomed and for women it helps them acheive that perfectly defined look.

4. Do clean up top of brows (if you want)

I remember reading in my teen magazines growing up NEVER to touch the top of the brow. How things have changed. While I'm not suggesting going into the main shape of your brow, experts agree cleaning up the stray hairs above the shape create a more defined, clean eyebrow and can help trouble brows look even with one another. Read more to see if it's right for you.

5. Do use an eyebrow pencil, powder or mousse for filling or correcting

If you have sparse brows, over plucked, or are growing out brows, filling them in will give you the look you want. Use the wrong products or technique and they will look painted on, instead of natural.

6. Don't stand too close to the mirror when shaping

With some distance from the mirror you will be able to better see to balance your brows and see the 'whole picture', and have less chance of making brows uneven. After you have your shape in, you can then get close-up to better reach the finer, lighter hairs.

7. Don't put a shape that isn't flattering to your face

Please keep in mind that arching your brow doesn't mean two perfect half circles or arches, which doesn't complement anyone's facial features. It does mean to clean up the excess hair to better frame your eyes.

8. Don't use ice to numb skin

Cold tightens the pores and can make a firmer hold on the hair follicle. You want to soften skin and hair by using a warm washcloth on brows, or do your shaping after your come out of the shower. If you're really concerned about the 'ouch factor' use a numbing spray (compare prices) first applied to a cotton swab and then to eyebrow area.

9. Don't shave eyebrows

I know there are little razors sold out there specifically for your brows. Read why shaving your legs is okay, shaving your eyebrows is not.

10. Tweeze correctly

Hold skin taut by gently holding skin firm with your free hand while tweezing, means less tugging and pain on the skin. 

If the hair is just too short for tweezing, don't push the tweezers into the skin. Scraping, bleeding or even scarring can result if you get a little too forceful with your tweezers. Having some hair is a better option over broken skin. Instead, just wait until the hair is a bit longer and can be easily grabbed on to.

Crescent Lawn 2011

Tips For Girls To Remain Slim

• First of all we must be determined to remain slim and work towards it. Develop a mind set towards it.
• Set realistic goals.
• Make lifestyle changes like giving up alcohol, smoking, avoiding fatty food, refined food,...
• Include fresh foods as far as possible as processed foods tend to contain high level of salt and sugar
• Do not expect immediate results.
• Never go for crash diets instead reduce weight gradually and slowly.
• Never skip meals as you tend to eat more, the next meal. Do not skip breakfast in particular.
• Include lot of fiberin your diet as it gives a feeling of fullness, thereby preventing you from gorging spicy and fatty food.
• Nuts contain lot of fiber.They are satisfying and cause people to eat less at meal time.
• Take warm lime juice mixed with honey the first thing in the morning.
• Go for skimmed milk.
• As far as possible avoid weight loss supplements.
• When you have cravings for sweets, takea fruit instead.
• When you have cravings for certain type of foodlike chocolates or ice cream, once in a while, you can take in smallquantities .
• Take fruits and vegetables which has lot of wate rcontent like watermelons, cucumbers and white pumpkin..
• Keep yourself engaged as boredom leads to overeating.
• Drink lot of water, at least 8 glasses per day.
• Use the stairs instead o flift. Park the car a little far away and walk to your office. Use every opportunity to be physically active.
• Walk, Walk and Walk as much as possible .Even if you are busy, go for walk at least 5 days a week.
• Aerobic exercise like jogging, swimming, cycling, running accelerates weight loss. Consult a physician before starting any weight loss program.
• Aerobic exercise combined with healthy eating will certainly help in weight reduction.
• Make your exercise session enjoyable.
• Keep yourself free of stress
• Finally, weight loss is a slow process, so do not get disappointed and give-up 

Herbal Skin Care Tips

Here are 22 practical Herbal Tips for Skin Care from the experts! Very easy to use and effective.

1. Drink at least 8 glasses of water every day.
2. Cut some beet root into small pieces and grind them. Squeeze juice from beet root and massage to your face for 5 minutes. Shower after 10 minutes with mild soap or gram flour.
3. Mix sandalwood powder with rose water and add 4 to 5 drops of milk in it and apply on to your face and body. Shower after 15 minutes with warm water.
4. Mix honey in water and drink daily in the morning to keep your skin shiny and smooth.
5. Warm honey and mix with lemon juice and apply on to face. Wash after it dry.
6. Mix Turmeric, sandal powder and olive oil and apply to body. Shower after 10 minutes.
7. Massage your skin with milk. Milk has moisturizer, it will keep yourskin smooth.
8. Use humidifiers and keep room temperature moderate to keep your skin away from dryness.
9. Hot water blushes your skin and you don't feel fresh unless you have bath with little cold water. If you have shower for a longtime, dead skin will be automatically be removed. Do not rub with towel, be gentle on your skin.
10. Take food which contains more A and C vitamin.
11. Grate carrot and boil. Massage that mixture to body to get fair and smooth skin.
12. For natural bleaching: - mix milk and lemon juice. The milk will break as soon as you mix the lemon juice in it. Use that mixture to massage on your body. It works as natural bleaching.
13. Mix turmeric and cream on the top of milk, massage that mixture to body.
14. If you go into sun your skin will lost the fair ness. To get your skin color to normal take equal quantities of cucumber juice and tomato juice and apply on to skin. Shower after 10 minutes.
15. Massage mustard oil to your skin for 5 minutes and have shower with gram flour or mild soap.
16. Mix cream on the top of milk and all-purpose flourand apply that paste on to your skin avoid eyes, eyebrows and lips. Shower after 5 minutes. This will make skin smooth.
17. Mix curds (yogurt) with wheat flour and apply to your skin and take shower after 5 minutes.
18. Grind rose petals and mix with cream on the top of milk and apply to your body. Shower after 10 minutes.
19. Scaly skin is a result of fluorine deficiency. Fluorine is the anti-resistant element of the human body, the absence of which creates problems in the blood and spleen. Since cooking and heating foods destroys fluorine, it is better to eat uncooked raw fruits and vegetables. Other foods rich in fluorine are goat milk and cheese, rye flour, avocados, sea plants and cabbage, cream whey and cottage cheese.
20. Wrinkle skin is a result of Sodium deficiency and makes skin sticky. Cucumbers are ideal for combating and preventing sodium deficiency because they are not only high in sodium,but also help in keeping the body cool, a great summer's treat.
21. Skin rashes are the result of silicon deficiency. To avoid pus and rashes, eat plenty of sprouts, alfalfa, barley, tomatoes, spinach, strawberries and figs.
22. Skin eruptions are the result of Chlorophyll. And are found in wheat grass and other green leafy vegetables

Perfect Red Lips

Here you'll get to know how to do the perfect red lip


1- Start with a good red lip color. You can always use your favorite lip gloss or pencil liner.

2- draw around the natural shape of your lip line gently and start to fill it in and smudge.

3- apply a good red shaded lipstick, matte is best as it stands out more and prevents wrinkly lips ( if you've got dry wrinkly lips check out the dry lips scrub in makeover&health section  )

4- finally pat it around your lips and if you wish add a coat of clear lipgloss and you are done.

How to apply blush

many girls normally apply blush in a not so correct way such as sweeping it straight down there cheeks looking like they jst got a star plus slap. so why not read on and learn how to do it the correct way and it only takes less then a minute.

Use this as a guide





choose the right colour that will suit your skin tone such as bright pinks, medium pinks or even browns for a more contoured or bronzy look and tap your fluffy brush into the colour make sure u tap of the access otherwise you'll pick up too much.

secondly, to find out where your cheek bones are suck in your lips and the area where you see a deep kind of gap is exactly where you need to apply it.

( if you find that difficult then just smile and apply it on the apples of your cheeks for a more natural finish)

How to get soft lips! (Scrub)

Like another part of your body, lips are also very important and it is very important that you exfoliate your lips so they're gentle and smooth as your skin. This DIY will show you how to exfoliate your lips and make them kissable.

You will need:

* Honey (You can use olive oil if you're allergic to Honey or you don't have any)
* sugar
* and Vaseline

Extra equipments you will need are:

* Small container – This is to keep the lip scrub save
* Teaspoon

Step 1:

You will need to add one teaspoon of sugar, two tablespoons of honey and a squirt of Vaseline, very small amount of Vaseline.

Step 2:

You will need to stir everything up, until it reaches a gritty and kinda smoother texture. THE SCRUB IS DONE.

How to apply the lip scrub on:

* YOU WILL APPLY THE SCRUB ON YOUR LIPS LIKE YOU APPLY A LIP BALM.
* YOU WILL RUB THE SCRUB ON YOUR LIPS, THE SUGAR WILL HELP TO EXFOLIATE THE LIPS.
* THEN LEAVE THE SCRUB ON YOUR LIPS FOR 1 MINUTE. WIPE OFF THE SCRUB AND YOU WILL GET THE MOST AMAZING KISSABLE AND SMOOTH LIPS.

How to: Foundation

lets talk foundation
it comes in all different colours just like our skin so make sure you've got the perfect colour which blends in with your skin tone.
 heres a rough idea of what your skin colour might be


okay so heres how you apply foundation the proper way

1- moisturize your skin quite well as you dont want dry or oily skin showing up, apply sun screen if required.

2- Using a makeup sponge, a brush or your finger tips, apply dots of foundation over your face and blend in quite well ( you dont want obvious foundation lines) also make sure your blend it down towards your jawline and neck.

3- set the foundation with loose powder straight away using a fluffy brush, this keeps the foundation from lasting a longer time.


Simple, Quick and Flawless